MISSION STATEMENT It is the mission of the Blaine County Search and Rescue to maintain a group of trained volunteers to be used as directed by the Sheriff of Blaine County. This group shall be trained to search for and rescue those lost or injured, or those victims of natural or man-made disasters in Blaine County.

OPERATIONS Blaine County Search and Rescue (BCSAR) is an all volunteer organization that operates under the authority of the Sheriff of Blaine County, Gene D. Ramsey. Per Idaho Statute, the Sheriff is responsible for all search and rescue operations within the county. BCSAR performs multiple types of operations in the performance of its duties. The most common operation conducted is a search for a missing person. Other types of operations include:

Medical Assistance and Extraction of People Injured in the Backcountry

Body Recovery of Fatal Accident Victims

Search and/or Recovery of Avalanche Victims

Assist in Swift River Rescues

Assist in Criminal Investigations

Assist Sheriff's Office during Natural Disasters

Additionally, Blaine County Search and Rescue provides logistic and support services for other rescue groups, local fire departments, Sun Valley Ski Patrol, heli-ski guides and the Rescue Dive Team.

TRAININGAll training and operation time is donated by members for the good of the organization. BCSAR trains and certifies its members according to the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) standards. There are three nationally certified search and rescue technician levels: SAR TECH III (beginner), SAR TECH II (intermediate), and SAR TECH I (Advanced). Specialized certified training is also offered in areas including:

Rope Rescue

Avalanche Awareness

Tracking

Outdoor Emergency Care

CPR / AED

Search Management

Cave Rescue

K9 Trailing

K9 Area Search

K9 Avalanche Search

K9 Cadaver Search

EQUIPMENTBCSAR maintains a cache of common equipment, vehicles, radios and other specialty rescue gear for use by the group. Certain standard items are provided to members as they achieve specific milestones of service. All members are required to create and maintain a personal 24 hour ready pack for field operations. A sample list if the 24 hour ready pack is included in our BCSAR Application which is available for download below.

MEETINGSBCSAR regular meetings and training exercises are held the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Meeting locations may vary so please contact us to find out where we will be meeting this month. New members are required to attend at least 7 monthly meetings in the first year.

TO BECOME A BCSAR MEMBERBCSAR is always looking for individuals who are dedicated to helping people in need. To become a member, please complete our application form available for download below or pick one up at the Sheriff's Office. Applications may be submitted to Commander Bryan Carpita or Command Staff Assistant Holly Carter at the Blaine County Sheriff's Office.

Each member of Blaine County Search and Rescue has joined the organization for their own reasons; The National Association for Search and Rescue summarizes one of the best reasons with their motto: "That Others May Live"

We hope that you will consider joining Blaine County Search and Rescue.

DUCK RACEProceeds from the annual Labor Day duck race are a major fund raiser for several local organizations including the Blaine County Search and Rescue. BCSAR Members volunteer their time organizing the arrival, storage and numbering of thousands of ducks, in addition to "hands-on" assisting with dispersing and collecting all the ducks traveling down the Big Wood River. The funds received from the duck race allow BCSAR to train members, purchase needed equipment and maintain an operating fund so that we are prepared to initiate a search any day of the year.